[Smudger Smith]

Dear Jim,



Read with interest your post, however I feel that the term ‘ace’ is inappropriate when describing experienced Bomber Command aircrew.



The majority of two or three tour airman where unknowns, a select few became war-time household names, the likes of Gibson, Cheshire, etc many more ordinary aircrews continued to operated within their respected groups with little or no recognition other from those they served with. An example is that of Wing Commander Peter Francis Dunham RAFVR. This officer began his first tour in 1940 as an airgunner, his second tour as an Observer his third as a pilot, he was killed while c/o of No.90 Squadron. I for one would not consider this extremely brave and courage’s officer an ‘ace’. I personally feel the term ‘ace’ is better suited when describing the Fighter boy’s,


Cheers

Smudger